The Cosmos in Cosmopolitanism

In the late 20th century, political theorists advocated for cosmopolitan governance as a way to temper the forces of globalization. Nikos Papastergiadis seeks to reinvigorate cosmopolitanism by examining how visual artists have explored themes associated with the cosmos. He argues that the idea of the cosmos is more important than ever today and is vital for our attempts to rethink our place as one species among others in a universe that extends far beyond our world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 20 October 2023
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Cosmopolitanism, a concept that gained prominence in the late 20th century, is often linked to the notion that new forms of cosmopolitan governance could mitigate the effects of globalization. While this idea was once considered realistic, it is now seen as increasingly unattainable. In his book, "Cosmopolitanism Revisited," Nikos Papastergiadis aims to revitalize cosmopolitanism by exploring how visual artists have delved into themes related to the cosmos.

Kant viewed cosmopolitanism as the ultimate objective for humanity, but he shifted his focus away from the connection to the cosmos and directed it toward the practical rules for peaceful coexistence. However, these two concerns are not mutually exclusive. Today, artists, among others, are developing a new vision of the cosmos that brings together the cosmos and the polis. Scholars from the South are working to decolonize the mindset that divided the world and separated us from our common connections, while others are using art to raise awareness about the existential threats we face as a species.

By developing a distinctive form of aesthetic cosmopolitanism, this book demonstrates that the idea of the cosmos is more important than ever in our efforts to reimagine our place as one species among others in a universe that extends far beyond our world.

Weight: 480g
Dimension: 158 x 237 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509559312